Job 31:1-3

Job Vindicates Himself

31:1 “I made a covenant with ¹  my eyes;

how then could I entertain thoughts against a virgin? ² 

31:2 What then would be one’s lot from God above,

one’s heritage from the Almighty ³  on high?

31:3 Is it not misfortune for the unjust,

and disaster for those who work iniquity?

[31:1]  ¹ tn The idea of cutting a covenant for something may suggest a covenant that is imposed, except that this construction elsewhere argues against it (see 2 Chr 29:10).

[31:1]  ² tn This half-verse is the effect of the covenant. The interrogative מָה (mah) may have the force of the negative, and so be translated “not to pay attention.”

[31:2]  ³ tn Heb “lot of Shaddai,” which must mean “the lot from Shaddai,” a genitive of source.